Fall Back [Spring Forward]

As the weather reports roll in warning of the inches of snow that could accumulate overnight (eeeee!!!), I am warming up by the fire after a brisk walk with the dog looking back through pictures from some of our Fall adventures. Fall is a great time to reflect, to look back; Spring energizes us into forward motion (towards the garden, out the door, go, go, go). This contemplative feel to the season may be why I enjoy hiking in the Fall so much. It's a slower pace activity and it gives you time to mull, clear the head, get inspired. And, with the snow on the way, what better reason to go head up into the hills: To see the mountain-top winter wonderland! While that is on the agenda for tomorrow, today I will share some photos from a favorite fall hike: Hunger Mountain. For extra adventure, running the entire ridge is an amazing hike; but for those not up for the 12 miler day, even an side adventure over to Hogback Mountain or down to White Rock is a treat. The latter is exactly what we did with friends on a recent October outing. Enjoy! And Happy Trails.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who needs shoes? Enter the barefoot revolution?

I had never ever had a foot problem, blister, hot spot, swamp foot, etc....until, that is, I was invited on a sunset hike up Mt. Hunger. All it took was a pair of new boots and a poor sock choice and there they were: not twenty minutes in half dollar sized blisters on both my heels - excruciating! However I took this in stride and decided I would not keep my hiking partners - especially Lauren who would make this her first hike up Hunger - from the summit. So I took my boots off, freed my feet, and proceeded to barefoot hike up the rest of the way to the summit of Hunger. What little mud there was I found soothing and cool between my toes as sweat dripped from my nose and forehead the whole way in 90 degree heat. As I reached the top no worse for wear, my feet bare, I think I might have learned a thing or two about my feet and myself. There is nothing better than good hiking company on a hot day with a beautiful sunset, PBR and you never know you might just forget your shoes.....